The Farnham Societypresents

Heritage Open DaysSaturday 8 and Sunday 9 September 2018 Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 September 2018

Supported byFree Admission to all venues, tours and eventswww.farnhamsociety.org.uk www.farnham.gov.uk

Farnham Museum, celebrating the 300th Anniversary of Willmer House

WELCOME to Farnham’s Heritage Open Days 2018

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 SeptemberThursday 13 to Sunday 16 September

Presented by The Farnham Society with support from Farnham Town Council

Welcome to Heritage Open Days in Farnham!The Farnham Society offers everyone a very warm welcome to Heritage Open Days 2018 which this year takes place over two periods, 8-9 September and 13-16 September. Our theme is “Farnham’s Green Spaces” – the all-important open spaces within or on the fringes of built-up areas where you can relax and breathe fresh air. We have highlighted some of them with opportunities to join guided walks, or just enjoy them in your own time. There are many of these green oases around Farnham and its villages – recreation grounds, playing fields, meadows, footpaths, woodlands, cemeteries and allotments. The green spaces described in the brochure are marked with a leaf symbol. Another theme offered by the National Trust, central organiser of Heritage Open Days, is “Extraordinary Women”, marking the centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act, and we have a special talk about Dame Ethel Smyth, Suffragette and Composer. Also, of course, there is our usual full programme of visits and tours to buildings and places of interest in our historic town, with some interesting new entries. Please read on!

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Page Properties Sat Sun Thu Fri Sat Sun 8 9 13 14 15 16

17 29 Castle Street ●

34 Badshot Lea Village Hall, St George’s Road, Badshot Lea ●

14 Caffe Piccolo, West Street ●

12 Chapel of Rest, West Street ● ● ●

22 Council Offices, South Street ● ● ●

30 Coxbridge Farm, West Street ●

16 Crafts Study Centre, Falkner Road ● ●

33 Ellel Pierrepont, Frensham ●

6 Farnham Castle, Castle Street ●

14 Farnham Library, Culver Room, West Street ● ● ●

25 Farnham Maltings, Red Lion Lane ● ● ● ●

31 Farnham Pottery, Quennells Hill, Wrecclesham ● ●

20 Giggling Squid, Castle Street ●

15 Goldsmiths Jewellers, West Street ● ● ●

15 Graham & Co Jewellers, West Street ● ● ●

13 Guitar Village, West Street ● ● ● ●

28 Hone’s Yard, Downing Street ● ● ●

20 Masonic Centre, Castle Street ●

33 Moor Park House, Moor Park Lane ●

13 Museum of Farnham, West Street ● ● ●

26 New Ashgate Gallery, Lower Church Lane ● ● ●

24 The Old Court House, Union Road ● ●

27 The Old Vicarage, Vicarage Lane ●

32 Partridge House, The Street, Wrecclesham ●

5 Rural Life Centre, Reeds Road, Tilford ●

28 St Andrew’s Infant School, Upper Church Lane ●

27 St Andrew’s Parish Church, Middle Church Lane ● ● ● ●

31 St Peter’s Church, Beales Lane, Wrecclesham ● ●

34 South Farnham Infants, School Lane, Lower Bourne ● 22 United Reformed Church, South Street ● ● ●

22 Victoria Garden, off South Street ● ● ● ●

24 Vineyard Church, Union Road ●

5 Waverley Abbey House, Waverley Lane ●

32 Yew Tree Cottage, The Street, Wrecclesham ● ●

20 Zizzi, Castle Street ● ●

Page Walks and Performances Sat Sun Thu Fri Sat Sun 8 9 13 14 15 16

8 Architecture of Castle Street Virtual Walk, Farnham Maltings ●

11 Architecture of Castle Street Walk, Castle Street ●

8 Bishop’s Meadow Walk, starts Memorial Hall car park ● ●

11 Bourne Green Spaces Walk, starts Bourne Green ●

9 Dame Ethel Smyth Talk, Farnham Maltings ●

8 Farnham Green Spaces Virtual Walk, Farnham Maltings ●

9 Farnham Green Spaces Walk, starts Victoria Garden ●

10 Farnham Park History Walk, starts Farnham Park car park ●

10 Farnham Rep, in Farnham Library, West Street ●

10 Morris Dancers, Town Centre ●

10 Something to Shout About Talk, Council Offices ●

11 The Rise and Fall of Waverley Abbey Walk, Waverley Lane ●

Quick Guide Please refer to listings for times and information

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Farnham’s historyFarnham’s history as a settlement goes back a very long way indeed. The discovery of stone tools in the area indicates that the first humans were here some 500,000 years ago, mammoths roamed here 50,000 years ago, there is evidence of the presence of Middle Stone Age hunters, there are Bronze Age barrows near Frensham, an Iron Age fort was found in Upper Hale and the remains of a Roman villa dating from 300 AD were found near Farnham Hospital. The Romans prized the local clay for pottery making, and the tradition of pottery making has continued, from the Middle Ages to the present day. The first documentary evidence of Farnham is in 688 AD in a Saxon land charter, but two later centuries are of particular importance: the 12th, when the Bishop of Winchester built Farnham Castle and laid out the central street pattern which still survives today; and the 18th when hop growing, brewing and malting brought wealth and new building to the town and it gained its largely Georgian character. Many earlier buildings still survive, going back to the beginning of the 15th century. Much happened in the intervening years. In the 13th century the castle was captured by the French and held for several months; in the 14th the Black Death killed large numbers of people; the wool trade brought prosperity in the medieval period and the town had a large and famous corn market; in the 17th century the Parliamentary forces took the castle, with a battle in Farnham Park; and from the 18th to the 20th century hop growing and beer making were the dominant industries.Following the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century Farnham grew rapidly. In the early 20th century the population numbered about 6,000, but today that has risen to nearly 40,000, including the surrounding villages. Clearly, Farnham has always been a popular place in which to live!

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WAVERLEY ABBEY HOUSE, Waverley Lane, GU9 8EP.Open Saturday 8 September, 10.00-16.00. Guided tours, (approx. 45 mins) of the interior of the house at intervals during the day, no advance booking required. Access to the grounds. Café selling light lunches, cream teas, cakes.

Magnificent Grade II* Listed Georgian mansion overlooking the River Wey and Waverley Abbey ruins. The original house was built in 1723 by Sir John Aislabie MP and rebuilt and extended in the 19th century following a fire. Once owned by the uncle of Florence Nightingale, in the First

World War it was volunteered as a military hospital caring for over 5000 wounded soldiers, all of whom survived. CWR are the present owners and the house is now used as a venue for courses, conferences and events. It is also available for business and private hire.

Saturday 8 SeptemberNEW

THE RURAL LIFE CENTRE, Reeds Road, Tilford, GU10 2DLOpen Saturday 8 September 10.00-17.00. Crafts demonstrations and hands-on activities, guided tours 14.00 and 15.30.

Open air museum based on the history of agriculture and rural life between 1750 and 1950, displaying objects associated with farming and goods used by local crafts-men. The museum is set in ten acres of field, woodland and barns, with picnic facilities and café (booking for the café recommended). Disabled access to most areas, disabled parking and toilet. One wheelchair available, bookable in advance.

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Sunday 9 September

FARNHAM CASTLE, KEEP AND DEER PARK, Map 1 900 years of living history

Open SUNDAY 9 SEPTEMBER, 11.00-17.00. Self guided tours of the Bishops Palace all day, guides present between 14.00 and 16.00. Full afternoon tea in the magnificent surroundings of the Great Hall with music by a harpist - limited spaces, advance booking essential on 01252 721194 or info@farnhamcastle.com. Historic re-enactments, hog roast and light food options, cream teas on the Great Lawn (weather permitting). Accessibility: ground floor only, steep stairs within the building. Parking for disabled guests only, parking available in Farnham Park (entrance off Folly Hill), entry to the Castle grounds through the Postern Gate. No dogs except guide dogs.

Farnham Castle, founded in the 12th century, is the jewel in Farnham’s crown, looking down upon the town of today from its elevated position on Castle Hill as it has done for 900 years. The historic buildings are listed Grade I and Grade II. The castle was built as a Palace of the Bishops of Winchester and visited by royalty, but when the Diocese of Guildford was created in the 20th century it was no longer needed by the Church Commission, who proposed to ‘ruinate’ the buildings (take the roofs off) and leave it empty. It was saved by the Farnham Society in the 1950s which was instrumental in arranging a full repairing lease to the

Centre for International Briefing, offering courses for people about to take up jobs abroad. The dilapidated buildings were gradually restored and used by the Centre until 2012, when the Castle became what it is today, a successful Events, Conference and Wedding venue.

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Castle keep and history exhibitionOpen daily, Mon to Fri 09.00-17.00, Sat and Sun 10.00-16.00. Disabled access to the keep is limited to the ground floor.

The keep is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is a shell keep – an early 13th century structure enclosing the original 12th century Norman keep. Uneven stone steps lead up to the top with superb views over Farnham and a covered platform from which you can see down into the 12th century structure. The Living History exhibition is in the stables in the outer courtyard.

Farnham ParkPedestrian entrance off High Park Road, vehicle entrance off Folly Hill. The original deer park, or Old Park, probably founded about 1328, was to the west and north of the present day park and is now farmland. The park of today is the New or Little Park, a medieval deer park, 320 acres of public land with open landscape, ancient trees and wonderful views. Much of it is managed to encour-age wildlife. A guided walk round the park is available on Saturday 15 September at 2pm (see p.10).

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Advance bookingsPlease note that advance booking is essential for some of the

walks and tours. The booking period is Wednesday 29 August to Tuesday 11 September. For details please see the entries below.

EVENTS: guided walks, ‘virtual walks’, talks and performances (in date order)Thursday 13 September

10.00: “FARNHAM’S GREEN SPACES”, talk by PETER BRIDGEMAN. Cellar Bar, Farnham Maltings. No advance booking required.

Peter will take you on a virtual walk around Farnham illustrating ten central green spaces, starting in the Victoria Garden and ending in the grounds of Farnham Castle. About 1 hour with time for questions.

Coffee interval.

11.30: “THE ARCHITECTURE OF CASTLE STREET” talk by retired architect MICHAEL BLOWER.

A photographic tour of the architecture lining the famous panorama of Castle Street, illustrating and explaining buildings on each side of the street. About 1 hour with time for questions.

16.00: “THE BISHOP’S MEADOW”, a walk in one of Farnham’s less known green spaces. Park in the Memorial Hall car park, Crosby Way off West Street, then walk through Whitlet Close, Pengelly Road and Meadowbank to the entrance, through a big field gate. No advance booking required.

The Bishop’s Meadow is owned by a charitable trust and managed for wildlife. The walk takes you to the Children’s Orchard, the wildlife reserve areas and the river. Rough ground, good footwear essential. No toilet facilities in the Meadow, dogs permitted but not inside the wildlife areas. Some but not all pathways suitable for wheelchairs. Approx. 90 minutes.

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Friday 14 September

10.00: “DAME ETHEL SMYTH, COMPOSER AND SUFFRAGETTE”, a talk by Dr CHRISTOPHER WILEY. Cellar Bar, Farnham Maltings. No advance booking required.

To mark the centenary of the 1918 Representation of the People Act, and the National Trust’s theme for the year, “Extraordinary Women”, Chris will discuss the life and work of the remarkable Dame Ethel Smyth, composer and active member of the Women’s Suffrage Movement, who wrote the anthem “March of the Women”. About 50 minutes with time for questions. Tea and coffee will be available before the lecture.

16.00: “THE BISHOP’S MEADOW”, another chance to enjoy the Thursday afternoon walk (see previous page).

Saturday 15 September

10.30: “FARNHAM’S GREEN SPACES”. Walk guided by PETER BRIDGEMAN, covering ten central green spaces in Farnham. Meet in the Victoria Garden, off South Street between Sainsburys car park entrance and Farnham Liberal Club. Advance booking essential between 29 August and 11 September, for up to 20 people, sfbrads@btinternet.com.

The walk will start in Victoria Garden and end in the grounds of Farnham Castle. Mainly flat pavement walking but with some steps and grass and crossing several busy main roads. The visit to Farnham Castle grounds involves a fairly steep walk up Castle Street, and a climb up The Bishop’s Steps, seven flights of seven steps, not suitable for wheelchairs. Dress for the weather and wear sensible walking shoes or boots. Duration 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

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Saturday 15 September (continued)

10.30: “SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT – THE ROLE OF A TOWN CRIER”. Talk by JONATHAN JONES, Farnham’s Town Crier. Council Chamber, Council Offices, South Street. No advance booking required.

This is your chance to find out all you wanted to know about the Town Crier, how does he become a Town Crier, what does he wear, what does he shout about, how many Town Criers are there, and lots else. About 45 minutes, with time for questions.

11.45-12.30 and 13.30-14.15: MORRIS DANCERS. Lion and Lamb Yard, 11.45-12.30, and the Hop Blossom pub, Long Garden Walk, 13.30-14.15.

Mad Hatter Morris are with us again this year, bringing the party spirit to Lion and Lamb Yard in the morning at 11.45, and again at 13.30 outside the Hop Blossom pub.

14.00 and 15.30, “IN ENGLAND’S GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND”, readings by FARNHAM REP, The Culver Room, Farnham Library, 28 West Street. No advance booking required.

A group of performers from Farnham Rep led by Bill Whymper, present “In England’s Green and Pleasant Land”, a programme of readings celebrating the countryside and rural life. Performances start at 14.00 and 15.30, each lasting no more than 50 minutes. Wheelchair accessible.

14.00. THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF FARNHAM PARK. Walk guided by archaeologist DAVID GRAHAM and THE FRIENDS OF FARNHAM PARK. No advance booking required. Meet at Visitor Centre, Farnham Park main car park.

A walk around the Park, talking about its origins, various uses throughout history, and a few remaining signs of those uses. The walk takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours and covers 2 to 2 1/2 miles with some hills and steep slopes, mainly on grass which may be muddy after rain. Stout shoes recommended, not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies.

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Sunday 16 September

09.00 and 11.00: “THE RISE AND FALL OF WAVERLEY ABBEY”. Two walks, at 09.00 and 11.00, guided by ROGER JUDE. Park in the Waverley Abbey car park off Waverley Lane (B3001), GU9 8EP. No advance booking required.

Roger Jude will relate the history of the site from its foundation to the present day, describe the buildings still standing and the life of the Abbey during its rise and fall. Access possible for those with disabilities, an easy level walk but uneven ground, sturdy footwear recommended, not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. Each tour approx. 90 minutes.

14.15: “GREEN SPACES IN THE BOURNE”. Walk guided by members of the Bourne Conservation Group. No advance booking required. Meet at the Bourne Green opposite St Martins Church (from A287 at the Bourne Crossroads take Lodge Hill Road and immediately fork right into Dene Lane).

The walk will explore the history and biodiversity of this wooded area of the Bourne, from the Bourne Green into Sable and the Bourne Woods. Mainly unsurfaced footpaths some of which are steep. Appropriate footwear required. Not suitable for wheelchairs, dogs on leads welcome.

14.30: “THE ARCHITECTURE OF CASTLE STREET”. Walk guided by MICHAEL BLOWER. Advance booking essential between 29 August and 11 September at sfbrads@btinternet.com for up to 20 people. Meet outside No.10 Castle Street (west side) by junction with Long Garden Walk.

Retired architect Michael Blower will lead a walk in Castle Street pointing out the architectural treasures of Farnham’s famous Georgian street. Approx. 90 minutes.

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Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 September Guide to properties on view in Farnham

town centre (in street order)

Chapel of Rest, West Street Cemetery, Map 2.

Open Thur-Sat 10.00-16.00. Wheel-chair accessible.

The Chapel is now a studio occupied by sculptor Ian Bishop, who will be present during opening times to welcome visitors, explain his work and processes, and show you around the building. West Street cemetery was opened in 1856 by the newly appointed Farnham Burial Board. The Chapel of Rest is a Grade II Listed Building, constructed of the local chalk ‘clunch’ or malmstone. It was closed in the 1980s and remained empty for many years but has now been carefully restored by the owners Farnham Town Council. The Cemetery is a peaceful place with trees and flowers, well maintained by the town council.

WEST STREET

Part of the ancient east-west trade route around which Farnham grew up, with some of the town’s oldest buildings and some very fine Georgian town houses built by wealthy hop growers in the 18th century.

Buildings to note: 50 West Street, opposite the Jolly Sailor pub, is an exceptionally handsome Grade II Listed building with an important place in the history of the car industry. It bears a plaque stating “John Henry Knight’s car, one of Britain’s earliest petrol driven vehicles, was built here by George Parfitt at the Elliott Reliance Works 1895”. John Henry Knight, gentleman of Farnham, was a very early car pioneer. He certainly started something!

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interior features. The front façade is a tour de force of rubbed and gauged red brickwork with fine putty joints. Behind the house is a sheltered walled garden, with the modern Garden Gallery at the end, used for exhibitions and educational purposes. The garden is secluded and quiet, well planted with trees and flowers, with a bust of William Cobbett. The Garden Gallery can be hired for private events.

Guitar Village, 80-82 West Street, Map 4.

Open Thur/Fri/Sat, 10.00-17.30, Sun 11.30-16.30. Narrow stairs, disabled access to ground floor only.

Recent tree ring dating of timbers in this house reveals that it is one of Farnham’s oldest buildings, built in 1467. It was a ‘Wealden’ house, a spectacular form of medieval open hall house. The original 15th century building would have been timbered infilled with wattle and daub. The present infill of long narrow bricks was probably added in the Tudor period.

Museum of Farnham, Willmer House, 38 West Street, Map 3.

Open Thur/Fri/Sat 10.00-17.00. House tours (45 mins) 11.00 and 14.00 on Thur and Fri, advanced booking required, 01252 715094 or museum@farnhammaltings.com. On Sat from 11.00 to 16.00 visitors are invited to a garden fete celebrating the 300th anniversary of the house, built in 1718. Disabled access to the ground floor, garden and Garden Gallery (entry via side door avoiding steps), stairs within the building.

Visit this Grade I Listed Building, an outstanding example of Georgian architecture, and discover the history of Farnham.

Willmer House was built in 1718 for a wealthy hop merchant, John Thorne, and today it is one of Farnham’s only two non-ecclesiastical Grade I Listed Buildings. The initials J.T. and date 1718 can be seen on the drainpipe heads to the side of the building. It is an exceptional symmetrical early Georgian town house with Baroque design influences and many original

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Caffé Piccolo, 84 West Street, Map 5.

Welcoming HODs visitors Thur 14.00-17.00. Some steps to parts of the building.

The age of the original building is uncertain though it is likely to be 17th century or earlier. It was substantially rebuilt at a later stage using some spectacular ancient timbers. It was restored in 1929, when a Tudor fireplace was revealed, said to be in excellent condition, and made good. In the 19th century this property was owned by a cooper selling tubs, barrels, baskets and bowls, in the mid 20th century it was a pub called The Mitre and it opened as Caffé Piccolo in 1995.

Farnham Library, Vernon House, 28 West Street, (entrance through garden), Map 6.

House and library open Thur 12.30-17.00, Fri and Sat 09.30-17.00. Sat at 14.00 and 15.30, the Culver Room in Vernon House, Farnham Rep will present “IN ENGLAND’S GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND”, a programme of readings celebrating the countryside and rural life. No advance booking required. Wheelchair accessible, dis-abled toilet available.

Vernon House partly dates from 1563, with street front dated at 1721, but with later changes following a fire in about 1860. Visit the panelled Culver Room on the ground floor, where Charles I is said to have stayed on his way to his trial and execution in London. The panelling has been recently restored. The library itself is in a new building behind the house. The terraced gardens to the rear provide a peaceful oasis, with some interesting trees including a large old cedar of Lebanon, an unexpectedly quiet refuge away from the traffic of West Street.

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Graham & Co., Jewellers, 20A West Street, Map 7.

Open Thur/Fri/Sat 10.00-16.30.

This little shop hides an astonishing secret, an ornately plastered ceiling dating to the mid-17th century which was made for the Earl of Shaftesbury as a ‘pattern’ for a ceiling in his house at Wimborne. The ceiling was later covered up but it was rediscovered in the 20th century. An information sheet will be available.

Lion and Lamb House, Goldsmiths Jewellers, 113 West Street, Map 8.

Open Thur/Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat 11.00-15.00.

This 16th century building has a long and chequered history. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was an inn called The White Hart, which became the Lion and Lamb in the early 18th century and was divided into tenements. The date 1537 is cut on a brick plaque under the archway entrance to Lion and Lamb Yard but the plaque may have come from somewhere else. By the early 20th century the building was in a very bad condition and was largely reconstructed in 1921 on its original lines. A minstrels gallery overlooks the yard. There is a magnificent carved oak fire surround in the front room. Disabled access to ground floor only.

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THE HART AND FALKNER ROAD

In earlier years the Hart led to the Hart hopground, on land now occupied by the University for the Creative Arts. Falkner Road, leading to Beavers Road, is named after the Farnham architect Harold Falkner.

University for the Creative Arts Sculpture Park, adjacent to Lower Hart car park, off Long Garden Way, open all the time, Map 9.

This is an attractive green space with a path winding up through trees and grassed areas towards the UCA Student Village. It features sculptures by well-known artists and graduates/students of the university.

Crafts Study Centre, Falkner Road (adjacent to UCA foyer entrance) Map 10.

Open Fri and Sat for tours at 11.00 and 14.00. Advance booking required in person or phone 01252 891450, or email istocker@uca.ac.uk or mmadden1@uca.ac.uk.

Specialist university museum and research centre, home to intern-ationally renowned collections of modern British craft. Free guided tours and a behind the scenes look at objects drawn from the collections, led by the Director and Curator of the Crafts Study Centre, including the National Trust’s theme for the year, ‘Extraordinary Women’. The attractive entrance is fronted by a small but interesting garden with two special trees, a hardy palm from the Far East called the Windmill or Chusan Palm, and a Katsura tree with heart-shaped leaves.

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CASTLE STREET

Farnham’s famous Georgian street, a wide perspective leading up to the Castle on the hill. Older buildings remain hidden behind the Georgian frontages.

Buildings to note: on the west side, No. 10 was the site of the Farnham Corn Exchange. On the east side, Windsor Almshouses, on the corner of Park Row, built in 1619 “for the habitation and relief of eight poor honest old impotent persons” according to the plaque on the front; the Nelson Arms is an old pub with a legend claiming that Nelson’s glass eye is embedded in one of the pillars; and Guildford House just below the castle is a striking Regency-style building on the grand scale. Farnham Market House, built in the 16th century but demolished in 1866, stood at the foot of the street where the shop pavilions

now are. There will be a guided walk, “The Architecture of Castle Street”, on Sun at 14.30 (see p. 11).

29 Castle Street, Map 11.

New entry. Open Fri for tours at 12.00, 13.00 and 14.00, 30 minutes. Advance booking required for maximum 10 people, catherinecook@onetel.com, booking open 29 August to 11 September. Limited disabled access, steps at entrance, narrow stairs, sloping floors.

This little Grade II Listed cottage has grown over the centuries, with a 19th century middle section, a Georgian frontage, and a 1980s extension at the back. An inglenook fireplace dating from the 1500s was uncovered during renovation work, indicating the probable existence of an older timber framed cottage on the site. This is a private house not normally open to the public.

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Farnham Masonic Centre, 42 Castle Street Map 12.

Open Sat 10.00-16.00. No advance booking required. Display of Masonic regalia, conducted tour of Masonic Temple and information sheets. Steps at entrance, stairlift in the building, no wheelchair access.

Imposing building dating back to between 1750 and 1800, with a real sense of local history and continuity. It was a school in the 19th century, then the Working Men’s Institute, before becoming the Freemasons’ Hall in the 1950s.

The Giggling Squid, 67/68 Castle Street, Map 13.

Welcoming HODs visitors Thur 15.00-17.00. Restaurant open normal trading hours.

In the 1880s this was a builder’s office with yard and workshop behind. In 1909 the owner Arthur Mardon set up a very popular public skating rink in the yard, later adding squash courts and then building Farnham’s first cinema, The Picture Palace.

Zizzi, 68A Castle Street, Map 14.

Welcoming HODs visitors Thur and Fri 15.00-18.00. Disabled access to ground floor.

This was the home of the Castle Theatre, founded in 1939 by an itinerant group of actors returning from France who set up the Castle Theatre in the building which had previously been the Picture Palace, Farnham’s first cinema. By 1974 the theatre had become so popular that it had outgrown its capacity of 167 seats, and the new Redgrave Theatre was built with public subscription in Brightwells Road where it continued until it closed in 1998. It never re-opened and is about to be demolished, part of a controversial redevelop-ment scheme. There are pictures of the Castle Theatre in the upstairs restaurant at Zizzi and the staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors and showing them around.

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THE BOROUGH

The Borough runs east and west across the foot of Castle Street.

Buildings to note: The Town Hall Buildings (despite its name, not the council offices) at the bottom of Castle Street, built in the 1930s replacing the earlier neo-Gothic Corn Exchange. Note the clock tower with its weather vane carrying an image of Francis Drake’s ship the Golden Hind, representing the Ship of Plenty, also the fine colonnade in the Borough, with ceiling moulding and alternating brick and stone columns. The Bailiff’s Hall at the eastern end was rebuilt by Farnham architect Harold Falkner in a style which imaginatively recreates its older, possibly 16th century appearance, with a tall decorative brick chimney salvaged by Falkner when Norman Shaw’s Knights Bank in Castle Street was demolished in the 1930s and replaced by the present Lloyds Bank building. The Bush Hotel entrance from the Borough leads to a delightful enclosed courtyard with a fountain and access to the hotel.

SOUTH STREET

South Street, first known as New Road, was built in 1869 to provide direct access from the town to the new railway station. On the west side there are some handsome Victorian and Edwardian buildings. Farnham’s cattle market was on the site of what is now Sainsbury’s.

Buildings to note: The Farnham Inst-itute (now the Bush Hotel Conference Centre) opened in 1891, designed by the architect Paxton Hood Watson. Note the relief murals on the south wall, symbolising learning. Also The Bush Hotel, an ancient inn dating back to the 17th century or earlier, with modern extensions at the rear. Visit the panelled Oak Lounge with a rare indoor sundial on the ceiling and 18th century murals. Sit with a cup of coffee or tea in the old coaching yard with its fountain, or in the peaceful rear garden with shady yew trees.

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Farnham United Reformed Church, (opposite Sainsburys) Map 15.

Open Thur 10.00-14.00, Fri 10.00-11.30 and 12.30-14.00, Sat 10.00-12.00, with displays illustrating the history of the building and the Church. Full disabled access, accessible toilet in The Spire coffee shop.

The church with its tall slender steeple was designed in 1872 by architect Thomas Wonnacott for the Congre-gational Church, with 20th century additions by Farnham architect Arthur Stedman. It later became the United Reformed Church.

Farnham Council Offices, Map 17.

Open Thur/Fri 10.00-16.00, Sat 10.00-15.00. Sat 10.30: “Something to Shout About – the role of the Town Crier”, a talk by Farnham Town Crier Jonathan Jones. Advance booking not required. The Council Chamber on the first floor will be open with local paintings, maps and heritage items on display. Full disabled access (lift to first floor), disabled toilet.

The Council Offices were opened in 1903, designed for Farnham Urban District Council by architect Paxton Hood Watson in neo-Georgian style. As first built it included the town’s Fire Station. A rear extension was added in the 1990s.

The Victoria Garden, off South Street by Sainsbury’s car park, Map 16.

Open daily. On Sat from 10.00-14.00 garden volunteers will be present to answer questions and distribute info-rmation sheets. Wheelchair accessible.

This charming little flower-filled oasis occupies the site of Farnham’s first open air swimming bath, built in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. The award-winning garden was created in 1997/8 to mark the centenary of the baths, and it is run and funded by volunteers. The impressive brick entrance archway is by Farnham architect Harold Falkner, with original Arts and Crafts lettering over the windows. Inside the garden there is a statue by sculptor Jane Jones called “Outdoor Bathing”, recalling the site’s previous use.

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UNION ROAD

Union Road was built in the 19th century to connect South Street, also a new road, with Downing Street. Before the construction of these two roads, and the construction of the Farnham Bypass, the route leading to southern parts of the town and Waverley Abbey was via Longbridge and Abbey Street.

Gostrey Meadow, Map 18.

This former Victorian rubbish dump was converted into a public park by Farnham Urban District Council in 1909. It has a children’s playground and a band stand, and the river runs along the south side between sloping grassy banks, with a little footbridge. The War Memorial is next to the South Street entrance. Note the drinking fountain (not operational) designed by Farnham architect Harold Falkner, at the Union Road entrance, recently restored by Farnham Town Council.

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Farnham Vineyard Church, Church House, Map 19.

Open Sat 12.00-15.00. Free tea, coffee and cake in the main hall, with activities for young children attending with parents or carers.

Church House is a Grade II Listed Building, and it is important in Farnham as one of the town’s few examples of the Arts and Crafts style. It was built in 1909 by architect Richard Bassnett Preston as a church hall for the parish church of St Andrew’s. The central projecting gable has a stone panel bearing the Winchester Diocesan Coat of Arms – Farnham was within the Diocese of Winchester until the creation of the Guildford Diocese in the 20th century.

The Old Court House, Map 20.

Open Thur/Fri 10.00 for tours of the building, finishing with tea or coffee and biscuits, duration 1 hour. Numbers are limited, advance booking essential, email wendy.craig@tindlenews.co.uk (preferred) or 01252 735667. Not suit-able for the disabled.

Set back behind railings, the Old Court House was built in 1888 as Farnham’s police station. The tours include a visit to the Magistrate’s Room and part of the old Court (up steep stairs). One of the cells has been preserved, so you can imagine yourself in custody! The building is now the headquarters of Tindle Newspapers Ltd. and is not normally open to the public.

Heritage Open DaysFarnham’s Heritage Open Days are part of an international festival. European Heritage Days were started in 1991 under the Council of Europe and the European Commission, to promote awareness of cultural assets, and to highlight the need for their protection. The principle was to open historic buildings for a few days, especially buildings not generally open to the public. Heritage Days are now held in 50 states signatory to the European Cultural Convention.

Britain has participated since 1994. National coordination was undertaken for many years by English Heritage. Nowadays the National Trust has taken over the role, with central funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery. Events and venues are organised locally by many towns, run by volunteers to provide free entry to all visitors. This year, HODS will take place over two consecutive weekends in September, Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th and Thursday 13th to Sunday 16th (although in Farnham most events have been arranged for the second weekend).

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LONGBRIDGE, BRIDGE SQUARE AND RED LION LANEThe William Cobbett pub in Bridge Square is the birthplace of William Cobbett, 1763-1835, the great soldier, politician and author of “Rural Rides”. In Longbridge outside Hawthorn Lodge a major new sculpture by the late Sheila Mitchell FRBS representing Cobbett on his horse was unveiled in 2016. The areas around Longbridge, where there was a ford, and around the parish church are thought to be the oldest parts of Farnham, settled in the Saxon period. Before the Farnham Bypass was built, the narrow little Red Lion Lane was a main traffic route through Farnham! Buildings to note: In Red Lion Lane, the late 15th century Tanyard House, next to the Maltings. Note the painted signs on the Maltings buildings facing Red Lion Lane saying “Sampson Sampson Licensed Maltster” and “Farnham United Brew-ery” recalling the hop industry.

Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square (entrance in Red Lion Lane), Map 21.

Thur 10.00-12.30, Cellar Bar, two illustrated talks offering ‘virtual walks’: “FARNHAM’S GREEN SPACES” by Peter Bridgeman and “THE ARCHITECTURE OF CASTLE STREET” by Michael Blower. Fri 10.00-11.30, talk by Dr Christopher Wiley: “DAME ETHEL SMYTH, COMPOSER AND SUFFRAGETTE”. No advance booking required. Access to the Maltings generally is limited during the HODs weekend because they are hosting the Farnham Gin Festival and Wedding Fair. Open times: Thur 09.00-13.00, Fri 09.00-12.30, Sat and Sun 10.00-14.00, please refer to room booking board at the Box Office to see which areas are open. Riverside Café and shop open Thur to Sat, closed on Sun. Full disabled access to main public areas, disabled toilet.

Farnham Maltings is an old maltings and tannery, now a thriving arts and community centre with Riverside Café, with seats outside by the river in the garden. In 1969 the Maltings was saved from demolition by the people of Farnham who raised £30,000 to buy it from the owners, Courages brewers.

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LOWER, MIDDLE AND UPPER CHURCH LANES, VICARAGE LANEThe Church Lanes form three sides of a square off Downing Street, with St Andrew’s Parish Church and churchyard facing Middle Church Lane. The Rectory stands at the junction of Middle and Upper Church Lanes. Lower Church Lane retains its ironstone cobbles with a drainage channel in the middle, into which people used to throw their slops from their upper windows, warning passers-by with a cry of “Gardy loo” (“gardez l’eau”)! Vicarage Lane opens at the junction of Lower and Middle Church Lanes.

New Ashgate Gallery, Lower Church Lane, entrance in Waggon Yard car park, Map 22.

Open Thur to Sat 10.00-17.00. Artist in Residence will be Susie Lidstone who will be working on a painting in the Gallery on all three open days and will be delighted to welcome visitors. She has been painting Farnham scenes for over 30 years. The Surrey Artist of the Year Exhibition will also be on show. Full disabled access including accessible toilet.

The New Ashgate Gallery is a fine arts and crafts gallery showing work of an exceptionally high standard. It is run by a not-for-profit trust, and cultivates the pursuit of excellence in a marketplace environment. Once the site of a pub called The Feathers, this is one of the few older buildings which survived the 1960s almost wholesale clearance of the area which is now the Waggon Yard car park.

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The Old Vicarage, Vicarage Lane, off Lower Church Lane, Map 23.

Open Sat only, for tours at 14.00, 15.00 and 16.00, guided by Rod Wild, tree ring dating expert. Advance booking essential between 29 August and 11 September for up to 12 people per tour, catherinecook@onetel.com.

This is one of the oldest domestic buildings in Farnham, listed Grade II* and accurately tree ring dated to 1418. It was built by Henry Beaufort, Archdeacon of Surrey as his ecclesiastical court house. The rear garden leads down to the river.

St Andrew’s Parish Church, Middle Church Lane, Map 24.

Open Thur/Fri 09.30-17.00, Sat 09.30-11.30 & 15.30-17.00 and Sun 12.00-17.00 with information booklets about the history of the church and the worshipping life of St Andrew’s today. On Sun at 14.30 Churchwarden Andrew Partridge will give a tour lasting 30-40 minutes. No advance booking required.

St Andrew’s Church is a Grade I Listed Building built on the site of an earlier Saxon church. Parts of a Norman structure remain, but the main part of the Church is 15th century, extensively remodelled in the 19th century when the tower was raised to its present height. The Pavilions, a recently inst-alled facility for group meetings at the west end of the church was designed by architect Ptolemy Dean, as was the organ casement. The Church has fine stained and painted glass including the Great East window designed by Gothic Revival architect A.W.N. Pugin. On the south west buttress of the West tower is a simple stone tablet with elegant carved lettering designed by Eric Gill, commemorating the life of the noted Farnham author George Sturt. The tomb of William Cobbett is in the churchyard close to the north door.

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St Andrew’s CE Infant School, Upper Church Lane, Map 25.

Open Sat 12.00-16.00. An opportunity to have a wander round the school and study log books and photographs covering its history. Some steps and narrow passages.

This lovely little Victorian school was opened in February 1860 by Bishop Sumner on a site known as Parsonage Yard. It is built in the neo-Gothic style, in the same pale clunch (chalk) stone as the church. The two cottages next to Church Passage, also of clunch and in the neo-Gothic style, were built for the headmaster and headmistress of the school (these properties are not open to visitors).

DOWNING STREETDowning Street, leading to Longbridge and Abbey Street, is the old route ‘down’ to Waverley Abbey. When Castle Street was first named in Tudor times it was known as Upping Street (‘up’ to the castle).

Hone’s Yard, Downing Street. Map 26.

Open Thur/Fri 10.00-16.00, for unattended visits to the yard. Sat 12.00-16.00, short tours with guides Chris Cleland and Brian Pittuck. Uneven floor in barn, otherwise unrestricted access.

Site of an old farm and a fascinating glimpse of the local hop industry with 17th century barns and a 19th century hop kiln.

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THE FARNHAM SOCIETYProtecting our heritage, shaping our future

The Farnham Society was founded in 1911 when its prime objectives were to preserve the architectural heritage of Farnham, to encourage integrity in the construction of new buildings, sympathetic to their surroundings, and to maintain the quality of life for future generations of its residents.

The Society continues to pursue those objectives, making every possible effort to preserve the quality of life in and around Farnham. To this end it promotes the highest standards of planning and architecture in the built environment. It supports preservation of green spaces and takes an active part in the fight for air quality and against traffic congestion.

Being a member of The Farnham Society enables you to have your say on the future of the town, and helps us to protect it. The more members we have, the louder our voice can be, and the better our chance of being heard on crucial issues.

Membership also entitles you to attend our evening lectures at a reduced price and take part in interesting visits/tours throughout the year.

You can join via our website www.farnhamsociety.org.uk or contact our Membership Secretary, Ian Soden email: isoden@hotmail.com 37 Ford Lane, Farnham, GU10 4SF tel: 01252 710636

Thames Cruise, near Windsor

Private visit to studio of Sir Antony Gormley

Walsingham Abbey, Norfolk

Emmetts Garden, Kent

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COXBRIDGE

Coxbridge Farm, West Street (adjacent to Coxbridge Roundabout)

Open Sat 10.00 and 14.00 for tours, duration 90 minutes each. Historic farm site dating back to 15th century. Tours conducted by the owner Keith Kenward, who has farmed land all round Farnham for 50 years, advance booking for maximum 12 people required between 29 August and 11 September, sfbrads@btinternet.com. Visits will start in the Listed 18th century barns followed by a tour of the farm land in an open trailer.

Access to the barns is via a short ramp. Visitors will need to be able to climb on to the trailer. This is a historic farm site dating back 500 years to

Properties Open Around Farnham Thursday 13 September – Sunday 16 September

the late 15th century. One of the barns contains the oldest hop drying kiln in Farnham - information and history leaflets will be available and there will be a small exhibition of objects found on the farm. The farm tours will take visitors through the farmyard and up the hill through fields and copses, past fields where horses graze, and a small stream overhung by alders, where you feel miles away from the busy streets of the town barely half a mile away. Keith and Valerie Kenward have farmed Coxbridge for 50 years and there are now four generations of the family living here. Wear clothing appropriate to the weather and sensible shoes.

Farnham is surrounded by long-established villages large and small. They all contribute to the town’s population of about 40,000 and they each have their own very individual character. Here is a selection of interesting properties in the outlying areas.

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WRECCLESHAMFarnham Pottery, Quennells Hill, GU10 4QJ (off A325 through Wrecclesham)

Open Sat 09.00-16.30, Sun 09.00-16.00. Regular tours lasting approx. 20 minutes will be provided over the weekend to outline the history and production techniques used by the Victorian pottery, A. Harris & Sons, which occupied the site from 1873 to 2000. Disabled access to ground floor, uneven floors and steep stairs. Disabled toilet available.

The Farnham Pottery is a very rare surviving example of a Victorian country pottery, opened in 1872 by farmer potter Absalom Harris, using existing farm buildings which the potters extended as the need arose, using their own materials and artefacts. The buildings remain much as they were when built. The successful Harris business began to struggle in the postwar years and ceased trading in 2000. In 1998 the buildings were acquired by the Farnham Building Preservation Trust to save them from imminent demolition. Essential structural repairs were carried out,

gradually bringing workshops back into use, and in 2012 the pottery was sold to private owners who undertook careful internal upgrades. It now provides a community based arts, craft and educational experience used by over 400 craftspeople every week, inspired by the town’s historic links with pottery.

St Peter’s Church, Beales Lane (off School Hill), GU10 4PY.

Open Sat 10.00-12.00 and 14.00-16.00, Sun 14.00-16.00 with displays relating to the church and the village of Wrecclesham. Full disabled access via exterior lift.

The church was first built in 1840, then rebuilt and enlarged in 1876. It is a charming and friendly little church, perched on a bank above the road, and has been recently refurbished, opening up the west end to bring light attractively into the interior. The new vicar Rev. Jacqueline Drake-Smith, will be in the church on Saturday afternoon, and is looking forward to meeting and welcoming HODs visitors.

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Yew Tree Cottage, 68 The Street, GU10 4QR (next to Riverdale turning, parking in Recreation Ground car park).

Open Fri and Sat for tours at 11.00 and 14.00, each tour approx. 1 hour. Advance booking essential between 29 August and 11 September for up to 15 people per tour, hods@dcsv.co.uk. Steps down to lower level in the house, and steps in the garden with no handrail.

Yew Tree Cottage is a Grade II Listed Building, one of the oldest houses in Wrecclesham, the oldest part accurately tree ring dated to 1561. It is believed to have been the birthplace of the Victorian cricketing hero Silver Billy Beldham and a pub sign bearing his image is behind Yew Tree Cottage, beside the recreation ground car park. The house has recently been fully restored by the Farnham Building Preservation Trust.

Partridge House, 102 The Street, GU10 4QR (parking in Recreation Ground car park, short walk up the hill).

Open Sun for tours at 14.00 and 15.00, approx 30 mins each. Advance booking essential for up to 10 on each tour, between 29 August and 11 September, catherinecook@onetel.com. Steps with handrail on front path and at front door. Steep steps within building, low headroom.

Partridge House is a Grade II Listed Building, the oldest part of which is thought to have been built in the early 15th century. Two bays remain of an open hall house with crown post roof. The missing bays are replaced with 18th century additions. Soot blackened trusses are visible, plus an open section of wattle and daub. The brick floor is thought to have been laid over the dirt floor about 400 years ago. It was a pub called The Dog and Partridge, one of many 19th century pubs in Wrecclesham when the village was a centre for hop growing. Partridge House is a private house not normally open to the public.

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MOOR PARK AND WAVERLEY

Moor Park House, Moor Park Lane (off Moor Park Way), GU10 1FE.

Open Sat for guided tours at 10.30 and 14.00, approx. 1 1/2 hours each. No advance booking required. A guided walk will take visitors round the outside of Moor Park House and around the grounds, with an outline history of the building. Park off the road in the field opposite (corner of Moor Park Lane and Compton Way) and assemble at the main entrance gate. Mostly level ground, some steps, cobbled courtyard.

Moor Park House is one of Farnham’s historic great houses, listed Grade II, bought in the 1680s by Sir William Temple who laid out five acres of superb formal gardens. Most of the present house dates from the 18th century, with outbuildings and the clock tower added in the 19th century. The house is now divided into flats.

Waverley Abbey ruins, off Waverley Lane, GU9 8EP, next to Waverley Abbey House.

Open all the time. Two conducted tours on Sunday 16 September at 09.00 and 11.00 (see Events section).

The ruins of Waverley Abbey stand in a hauntingly atmospheric and peaceful place, hidden in the river meadows and hardly visible from the road. The Abbey Church was founded in 1128 and was the first Cistercian abbey to be established in England. It was suppressed by Henry VIII in 1536 during the Dissolution.

FRENSHAMEllel Pierrepont, Frensham GU10 3DL (off A287 in Frensham).

Open Thur 14.15 for tour of the main house and grounds with guide Sam Osmond, 2 hours, accompanied by hosts Caitlin Hicks and Sarah Barrass. Advance booking essential for up to 15 people between 29 August and 11 September, catherinecook@onetel.com. Disabled access to most areas, ramp to main house entrance.

Pierrepont was built in 1876 and is a magnificent example of Richard Norman Shaw’s ‘Old English’ style with Aesthetic Movement interiors. It was built for Richard Henry Combe, brewer, of Watney Combe and Reid. The house is now owned by Ellel Ministries.

BADSHOT LEANEW ENTRY Badshot Lea Village Hall, St George’s Road, Badshot Lea, GU9 8LY.

Open Sun 10.00-16.00 with tours on the hour every hour throughout the day, no advance booking required.

This is the old village hop kiln, built in 1886. The tours will take visitors throughout the building and will include the restored hop drying room. The history of the building will be described, and that of hop growing in the village, how the building functioned, and how it now functions as a village hall. Access to the upper floors of the building to the restored hop drying room is limited, up a set of concrete stairs.

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LOWER BOURNENEW ENTRY South Farnham Infant School, (previously The Bourne School) School Lane, Lower Bourne, GU10 3PE.

Open Sat 09.30-12.30. Limited dis-abled access, sloping tarmacked outside areas, stairs within building.

The Bourne School has been a centre of the village community since 1861. It started life on a different site, as a school for about 50 children on weekdays and as a chapel at weekends. Numbers grew rapidly and in 1894 the present site was purchased for £250, the price offset slightly by the sale of the apples which were growing there! This school started with 60 children, in one long room which could be divided into two with a partition. Over the years it continued to serve the local area and it is now the infants’ school department of the South Farnham Educational Trust.

The details in this brochure were correct at the time of going to press. For any last minute changes to the programme, please check the Farnham Society website at farnhamsociety.org.uk/heritage-open-days-2018

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Award-winning Farnham Town Council provides many essential services for residents including managing allotments and cemeteries, enhancing the town with Farnham in Bloom initiatives, funding CCTV and running a year-long programme of events.

In 2017, the council was crowned winner of gold in Britain in Bloom and was runner up in the National Association of Local Councils’ quest to find England’s Council of the Year.

As well as the day-to-day services, Farnham Town Council organises, runs, enables and supports activities to make Farnham a great place to live, work and do business all year round.

Farnham Town Council works with partners in other councils and public services as well as the town’s many excellent voluntary groups and active business community.

Farnham Town Council’s services include:

Farnham people are represented by 18 town councillors. They meet for full council meetings around nine times a year. Meetings are generally open to the public. Meeting dates and agendas can be found online at www.farnham.gov.uk.

Farnham Town Council elections will take place in May 2019. Information about how to stand for election will be available on the Town Council’s website nearer the time.

To find out more about Farnham Town Council, pop along for a visit during Heritage Open Days or, to keep up to speed with what is happening throughout the year, sign up to receive the Council’s enewsletter at www.farnham.gov.uk.

• Allotments• Annual Town Meeting of electors• CCTV and community safety• Christmas lights• Civic events• Cemeteries• Community enhancement including o Farnham in Bloom o Noticeboards o Street furniture• Farmers’ Markets

Farnham Town Council

• Graffiti removal• Grants for community organisations• Planning – statutory consultee• Managing the South Street Trust• Managing bookings for street banners

above the highway• Toilets• Tourism and events• Town twinning with Andernach

in Germany and other friendships• War memorials

Fire Station

University for the Creative Arts

Library & Information

Centre

Farnham Castle & Keep

Coach Park

Skate Park

Gostrey Meadow

Farnham StationFarnham Maltings

Sainsbury'sWaitrose

Victoria Garden

Council Offices

Farnham Park

Leisure Centre

Farnham Community Toilet Scheme

Defibrillators

TILFORD ROAD

CRONDALL LANE

A325 GUILDFORD ROAD

A31 FARNHAM BY-PASS

Place of Worship

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Map of Farnham Town Centre

1 Farnham Castle, Keep and Deer Park2 Chapel of Rest3 Museum of Farnham4 Guitar Village5 Caffé Piccolo6 Farnham Library7 Graham & Co. Jeweller8 Goldsmiths Jewellers9 Sculpture Park10 Crafts Study Centre11 29 Castle Street12 Masonic Centre13 The Giggling Squid

14 Zizzi15 United Reformed Church16 Victoria Garden17 Farnham Council Offices18 Gostrey Meadow19 Farnham Vineyard Church20 The Old Court House21 Farnham Maltings22 New Ashgate Gallery23 The Old Vicarage24 St Andrew’s Parish Church25 St Andrew’s CE Infant School26 Hones Yard

Key to map

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The annual Heritage Open Days events in Farnham are brought to you by The Farnham Society, supported by Farnham Town Council. The programme is organised by a small group of volunteers.

The Farnham Society thanks all the property owners who generously open their buildings to visitors and organise special events.

Brochure text by Sue Farrow. Photos © David Fisher AFFCC.uk, Michael Clements, Michael Carrington and members of the committee.